by Alicia Banks
Taylor frowned. He wasn’t as bad as she was describing him. He knew he shouldn’t eavesdrop; he had already heard enough. He walked away, lost in thought. So that is what the problem was. He always thought he came off as confident and charming, but maybe Rose got a different impression.
It took him a few moments to realise that he had walked to Dominque’s cabin. He was standing outside on his terrace. Dominique was the leader of the wolf pack. His father Alexander had died in a great battle almost twenty years ago. Alexander was a great leader, and Dominique was following his dad’s footsteps.
“Hey, buddy,” Dominque called out.
Taylor smiled at him, walking over. They bumped fists, and Taylor went to stand next to him.
“So, the girl rejected you?” Dominque asked.
“Not officially. Not yet, anyways. I can’t believe that a girl wouldn’t want to be with me,” Taylor said.
“Yea. That would be hard for you to believe.” Dominque teased.
Taylor rolled his eyes and said, “I overheard her talking to her friend a while back.” He then retold Dominque what he heard.
Dominque whistled. “She really hates you,” he said.
“Shut up. Look man, I know what kind of guy she likes now. Those classy uptight ones,” Taylor said.
Dominque raised an eyebrow, a sceptical smile on his face.
“What exactly are you going to do with that piece of information?” he asked.
Taylor smiled at him and said, “I am going to make her fall in love with me.”
Chapter 4
Taylor
Dominque snorted. “Make her fall in love with you?” he asked.
“Yea!” Taylor replied.
“Why? Because you can’t accept the fact that there is a girl who doesn’t want to be with you?” Dominque asked.
“I can’t believe it. It makes no sense! She said I am full of myself! Dude, I am just confident, and charming, and classy. I am going to show her that. I am going to show her that she is wrong about me,” Taylor said.
“You don’t even want to settle down. You should be happy she is saying, no,” Dominque said, raising an eyebrow.
“I know, man. It’s it hard to explain…” Taylor said.
Dominque cut him off and said, “Do you… perhaps… have feelings for this girl?”
Taylor scoffed, “Yea, right. You know I don’t do this love thing. There are no feelings!”
“Then what exactly do you hope to achieve? You make her fall in love with you. You satisfy your ego, then what? She says yes. You get tied down into a marriage, something you claim that you don’t want. How does any of this make sense? The girl doesn’t like you, leave her alone. Don’t mess with her heart like that,” Dominque said.
Taylor knew that Dominque was right. He should just let it all go. For some reason though, the idea of losing Rose seemed to sting. He couldn’t explain why but a part of him couldn’t accept giving her up. It didn’t make sense why he felt like this, but he did.
Taylor sighed and said, “Yea, you are right. Thanks for the talk. I know I can trust you to always be honest with me.”
Dominque smiled at him and punched him lightly on the shoulder. “Don’t get all sloppy on me,” he said.
Taylor laughed, and waving goodbye, walked away.
He was walking back towards his cabin when he passed by the same place he had overheard Rose talking to her friend. She was still there, her small silhouette clearly visible. She was training, using an ancient method. The elders called it “Katuru”. It involved boxing, only you punched a piece of a rock instead of a punching bag.
Now days, most of the wolves had punching bags to train with. Rose, however, was still practising on the mountain side. He could see her hands were bleeding, injured from punching the hard rock. Taylor knew she would be fine by tomorrow. The wolves healed very fast. Nevertheless, Rose was pretty hardcore for even trying this.
“You know, even though this method makes you very strong, it deforms your bones. The constant injuries and fractures lead to bones healing in abnormal shapes. You should try a punching bag. I can lend you mine if you want,” Taylor called out.
Rose turned around, startled. She was a beautiful sight, her cheeks were flushed from the exercise, her eyes glimmering. Her luscious lips were parted, as she breathed heavily.
“Don’t sneak up on me like that,” Rose said, glaring at him.
“Easy there, Tiger. I was just passing by. You are that upset to have me as your mate, that you are out here, punching rocks?” Taylor asked, sitting down on the ground.
“Please, don’t assume that you would have that much of an effect on me. I am just training,” Rose replied, turning back around.
“Oh, yea. You want to be the strongest warrior in the pack,” Taylor said, smirking. “You really do dream hard. I mean, you are so small that I can just pick you up and throw you down. The fight will be finished.”
Rose scowled at him. “You will have to catch me first,” she snapped back.
“If you say so,” Taylor said, trying not to laugh.
“Don’t you have somewhere to be? Like with your friends, getting drunk and having fights?” Rose said, narrowing her eyes.
“I should be doing that, but this is more interesting. Small, delicate Rose, punching a big hard rock,” Taylor said, bursting into a fit of laughter.
Suddenly there was a loud cracking noise behind him, and he turned around to see a small pebble, embedded in the tree. Rose had thrown it, and it had just narrowly missed his head.
“Next time, I will aim for you,” she said, cheerfully.
“That was impressive. This is better than hanging out with my friends,” Taylor said, smirking. Rose growled in frustration and started to walk away.
“Hey, where are you going?” Taylor called out.
“Home!” Rose shouted back.
“Wait,” Taylor said, running to catch up with her. “Look, I understand your reaction. I know I come off as a bit arrogant and cocky, but I am a good guy.”
“What does that have to do with me?” Rose asked, frowning.
“Give me a chance. You don’t have to say yes. Just let me take you out. We will go on some dates, get to know each other, and then you can give your final answer,” Taylor said.
“I don’t need to date you to give my final answer. It’s not going to change,” Rose said.
“Yes, maybe nothing will change your mind, but it won’t hurt. Just go out on one date with me,” Taylor said.
“You know, even flies aren’t as annoying as you are,” Rose said, giving a fake smile.
“Ouch. I don’t get it. You don’t even know me. Why won’t you give me a chance? You are being very prejudiced, judging me like that,” Taylor said.
Rose stopped walking and turned around to face him. “I did give you a chance. Three years ago, remember?” she asked.
Taylor frowned. He didn’t remember ever taking Rose out. Seeing his expression, Rose started to laugh.
“Oh, wow. You don’t even remember. I am not surprised, though. Why would the great Taylor remember someone insignificant like me?” Rose said, and then started walking away again.
Taylor stood there frozen for a minute, and then he ran after her. He grabbed her hand, stopping her, and said, “What do you mean?”
Rose stared into his eyes for a minute, and then pulled her arm away. “I mean, we are done," she said, before walking away.
Chapter 5
Rose
Rose couldn’t believe the audacity of Taylor. Not only did he forget what happened three years ago, but he also dared to ask her out. As if it can change anything. He will never change; he will always be the same egoistic wolf who never truly grew up.
Rose reached her cabin and sat on her bed. She needed to bandage her bleeding hand and do some stretches before she slept. Taylor was right, training against the mountain was deforming her bones. Her knuckles were getting thicker, as bone deposited around it. But Rose nev
er wanted to be pretty. She didn’t care about beauty. Her hardened deformed knuckles will make her punches stronger and more powerful. She had to be the strongest warrior, no matter what.
∞∞∞
It was early next morning, and Rose was standing outside the council headquarters where Dominque had called everyone. Rose knew he was going to announce the ultimate championship. It was a tournament held every five years, where matches took place between wolves, and the victor, the son of the healer, was given the title of the champion.
Rose had wanted to participate in this championship for years, and this year she was going to sign up.
Dominque was standing in the front. Once everyone had gathered, he said, “My wolves, you know why I have called you here. We are now ready to start the selection process for the ultimate championship. You will battle amongst yourself using your strength and using your wit. There will be one champion and this year, we have a twist.”
Rose frowned, wondering what was going on. The championship was pretty traditional, the same rules had been followed for decades. She could see everyone else was confused as well, looking around and whispering to each other.
“This time, the champion gets the rank of captain of my army and my right hand. This is a rank that requires someone who is not only the strongest, but someone who is the most intelligent, strategic, and ethically sound. I will be including new levels in the tournament. These new levels, or challenges, will be unveiled as we get into the tournament. For now, I declare this tournament open! Enlist your names and once the selection process is complete, we will have our opening ceremony,” Dominque said. He then walked over and hit the ceremonial gong.
Everyone cheered, and Rose could feel the infectious excitement running through her veins. She could see the selection committee sitting down and all the people starting to gather around. Most of the wolves signing up were the boys, even though the girls were waiting in line as well. But one thing they all had in common was that they were all much taller and muscular than her.
Excited, Rose got in the line, waiting for her turn. She was finally going to show everyone that she can also be a warrior. Everyone had always underestimated her for her small size and thin build, but she was going to achieve her dream. Her turn finally came, and she walked over.
“Hi, I would like to enlist. My name is Rose,” she says.
“I need your paw print…” The selector started to say, but then trailed off. “Sweety, are you sure about this?” the selector asked.
“Yes. I am,” Rose said, forcing a smile on her face.
“Listen, I don’t want to… dishearten you, but they are going to massacre you,” the selector said.
Before Rose could answer, one of Taylor’s friends shouted, “Hey! Rose is enlisting. Yo, you guys let anyone take part now? Look at her. She can’t even lift a rock.”
“The standards have truly fallen if we are letting weak people like her into the championship,” Taylor shouted.
“Especially after she had the gall to reject Taylor. Such a stuck-up bitch,” Harry shouted, and everyone started laughing.
Rose felt herself fill with fury. She marched over to Harry and stared him in the eye. She heard the laughter die out. “Try me,” she said, through gritted teeth.
“Try… try you?” Harry said, and they all started laughing hysterically. Rose was sure it was a hilarious sight. She was one foot shorter than Harry, and literally half his size. She clenched her hands into a fist, and with years of training behind her, brought her fist straight into his stomach. He coughed, blood sputtering out, as he doubled over.
“Still find it funny?” Rose asked. There was silence all around, and Harry was glaring at her.
“You bitch!” he shouted and reached out to grab her. He never managed to touch her though, because Taylor appeared, grabbing Harry’s hand.
“Leave her alone,” Taylor said, through gritted teeth. There was a momentary struggle where Harry tried to get out of Taylor’s grasp, but he didn’t succeed. Taylor was radiating power, as his hand tightened around Harry’s arm. Finally, Taylor let Harry go, who stumbled back.
“This isn’t over,” Harry said, pointing at Taylor, and then he ran off.
“I could have handled it,” Rose said. Everyone was going to talk about how the strong and powerful Taylor had to jump in to protect her.
“Yea? Handle it in the championship,” Taylor said, not even looking at her.
Rose was stung by the fact that he wasn’t even looking at her. He didn’t say another word and just walked off, leaving Rose standing there. Rose swallowed and turned around, walking towards the selector.
“Rose. I am here to enlist,” she said, once again. This time the selector didn’t say anything and signed her up.
“The selection matches start day after tomorrow. There will be a total of three matches. You must win at least two to qualify to the quarter finals. The time of your matches and your opponent will be revealed tomorrow, at the tournament board. I wish you the best of luck,” the selector said.
Rose thanked her and walked off. She was ready for this.
Chapter 6
Rose
“You actually signed up for the competition?” Delma said, her mouth open. Rose was hanging out with her friends. They had all decided to meet up for lunch. Rose had been training all morning and she was starving.
“Of course. You girls knew it was my lifelong dream!” Rose said, stuffing her face with some apples.
“Yes! But we never thought you would go forward with it!” Anna said.
“Well, I did,” Rose said, in between bites.
“Also, you punched Harry in the stomach. Are you crazy? He is twice your size!” Delma said, looking worried.
“He is, and yet he was the one coughing up blood,” Rose replied, smiling at the memory.
“Because Taylor got there before he could retaliate!” Delma protested.
“Even if he hadn’t, Harry couldn’t have done shit to me,” Rose said, starting to stuff her face with dessert.
“When is your first match?” Anna asked.
“Tomorrow. I need to compete in three selection matches before I qualify for the quarter final," Rose replied.
"Are you sure about this? No one has ever died, but it has resulted in some serious injuries. Just in the last competition, one of the competitors lost their leg,” Delma said.
Rose sighed and put her spoon down. “Look, I know you girls are worried, but this is all I have ever wanted. These people might be bigger and stronger, but I am faster, more agile, and sharp witted. They use strength alone. I use agility, momentum. I read body language, and I know how to play mind games. I can strategize better than any of these fools. I got this, you girls! I just need you to trust me and cheer me on!”
Delma sighed. “Yea, okay. We do trust you, and nothing would make us happier than watching you win.”
“Yea, you go girl. We are behind you at every step,” Anna said.
“Aww, thank you, guys,” Rose said, pulling them in for a hug. “Now, if you excuse me, this girl has to for training.”
Rose got up, drinking some water. She gave her friends a wave and then ran off. She had a competition to win.
∞∞∞
Rose had been training hard the past day. In fact, she had barely done anything else. Today was the first day of the selection matches, and Rose was waiting for her turn.
Currently, a young wolf named Albert was having a match with Taylor, and Taylor was clearly winning. The young wolf didn’t stand much of a chance against the more experienced and stronger Taylor. The match ended as expected, with Taylor snagging his first victory.
Both Taylor and Harry had already won their matches and stood in the crowd, drinking Sayor and cheering loudly. The next match up was between Shella and Andrew, both powerful contenders. Rose continued to warm up as she watched the matches. Her turn was up next.
The match started and almost instantly Andrew had the upper hand. He w
as vicious, snarling and growling, attacking Shella. He barely gave her time to respond, keeping her on the defence. Rose continued to stretch, her eyes on the match. She was rooting for Shella, but it seemed like Andrew would win this.
Andrew kept on attacking, slashing at Shella repeatedly. In fact, it seemed like the match was decidedly going to be won by Andrew. Then, the battle turned. Rose even stopped stretching, she was so shocked. Shella had somehow managed to slash Andrew in his eyes, and when he had fallen back in pain, she had pressed her advantage. She attacked him just as viciously as he attacked her, slashing and biting.
She managed to pin Andrew down for the required ten seconds and won the battle. Rose was so impressed by her, that she barely heard her own name being called.
“Rose vs Brenda,” the announcer called out. Rose finally heard the second time and ran towards the clearing.
“Alright. We have Rose on the left side, our first-time competitor! On the right side, we have Brenda, who has competed in the last two championships and made it to the semi-final!” the announcer said. “I want a clean match, ladies. No tearing off limbs, no deep slashes that damage the internal organs, no attacks to the neck or to the head.”
Rose nodded and got ready to shift into her wolf form. Brenda, her opponent, was tall, broad shouldered, and experienced. She smiled at Rose, looking at her up and down. Rose knew she was judging her to be an easy target and faked a smile back.
“Alright, shift,” the announcer said, and Rose called onto the wolf deep in her. She felt her bones and muscles start to contort, her claws and nails start to elongate. Her body became covered in hair as she slowly turned on all fours. Brenda had transformed as well, and as a wolf, was even larger than before.